Public Policy Issues

California Drought

Irrigation provides our nation with a safe and reliable food supply, landscapes and green infrastructure. Water is a crucial natural resource that is far too often taken for granted and used inefficiently. Unfortunately, it takes drought for us to appreciate the true worth of water.
 
On Jan. 17, 2014, California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency and directed state officials to prepare for drought conditions by assisting farmers and communities that are economically impacted by dry conditions and ensuring the state can respond if Californians face drinking water shortages. The governor initiated a greatly expanded water conservation public awareness campaign and also directed state agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters in anticipation of wildfires.
 
View the full proclamation.

Drought Resources

• California Department of Water Resources Drought Page  
• California Department of Food and Agriculture Drought Page  
• United States Drought Monitor for California  
• Association of California Water Agencies Public Awareness Campaign  

Irrigation Association Activity

• Letter to the San Juan Water District  (Jan. 24, 2014)
• Letter to the Alameda County Water District  (Feb. 4, 2014)
• Letter to the East Bay Municipal Utility District  (Feb. 4, 2014)
• Letter to the Stockton Municipal Utilities Department  (Feb. 28, 2014)
• Letter to the U.S. Congress From the Western Agriculture and Conservation Coalition  (Feb. 28, 2014)
• Letter to the Governor of California  (March 6, 2014)
• IA Comments to USDA’s Final Interim Rule for EQIP  (Feb. 10, 2015)
• Letter to the Governor of California  (April 21, 2015)
• IA Comments to the Department of Water Resources’ Emergency Conservation Regulation  (May 4, 2015)
• IA Comments to the Department of Water Resources’ Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance  (June 26, 2015)

This page will be updated regularly with the latest information regarding the drought in California. For updates on Irrigation Association activities related to the California drought, please contact the IA government and public policy director.